With the second overall pick in the 2009 MLB draft the Seattle Mariners selected North Carolina's Dustin Ackley. The Tar Heel's first baseman, whose playing time was limited as he recovered from Tommy John surgery a year ago, is hitting .412 with 22 home runs and 70 RBIs in 250 at bats this season.Thought to be the best hitting prospect in the draft, Ackley is not a typical first baseman. Ackley has 13 stolen bases in 17 attempts this season for UNC as well as four triples. But his greatest assets are his hands.
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Although he figures to hit well in the majors, general manager Jack Zduriencik is more interested in Ackley's fielding ability. In more than 500 plays Ackley was involved in, he committed just two errors but was involved in 39 double plays and had 29 assists outs for a fielding percentage of .996.
As the Mariners move to a more defensive-minded club, Ackley could see major league time late next season and be an everyday player by 2011.
He's been compared to Texas Ranger prospect Justin Smoak and Cincinnati Reds prospect Yonder Alonso although most scouts see Ackley's below average arm as a problem that could land him in left field.
Where ever the organization decides to put him, Ackley should be a great contributor to a team desperate for quality bats.
Ackley drew 50 walks and struck out just 32 times in his 250 at bats, which contributed to his team-high .513 on base percentage.
Seattle also owns the the 27th and 33rd overall picks after Raul Ibanez signed with the Phillies this offseason.
Stay tuned for details on the Mariners next selections.
Reach Josh Stilts at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
